Rapeseed induced liver haemorrhage, reticulolysis and biochemical changes in laying hens: the effects of feeding high and low glucosinolate meals.

Rapeseed meal hepatosis was produced by feeding high and low glucosinolate meals as a source of protein (about 200 g kg-1 diet) but could not be distinguished histologically from fatty liver-haemorrhagic syndrome which occurred in birds on the control diet. Both types of meal increased haemorrhage, reticulolysis and lymphoproliferation in the liver, reduced the packed cell volume and caused thyroid enlargement. Haemorrhages emanated from ruptured intrahepatic portal veins, capillaries and sinusoids and were associated with degenerative changes in vessel walls. Haemorrhage and reticulin scores were correlated. Parenchymal necrosis occurred only around large haematomas and caused increased aspartate transaminase activity in the plasma. Both meals also caused hyperglycaemia and reduced the plasma triglyceride content. Only the high glucosinolate meal decreased egg production, caused liver enlargement and reduced the plasma urate level. The addition of myrosinase enhanced its effects on egg production and packed cell volume but did not increase its hepatotoxicity.